Question?

I just went through the "diseases" thread but didn't see this:

Are hoyas affected by "Cyclamine Mites"? I also collect African Violets and had to throw out about THIRTY this morning because I'm pretty sure they were infected with "Cyclamine Mites". (yes, I'm just sick). I was going to move some of my hoyas on to this stand but don't EVEN want to take chances.

Thanks. Betsy

Can't you just treat them with something? Seems a shame to have to throw them all out. Is there no cure?
Marcy

It's "possible" to treat them but the chemicals are so harsh, it will probably damage the plant. I did try Neem oil but it is used mostly to ward them off uninfected plants...makes it an undesirable habitat. It won't do much for already infected violets. Most of what I've read said you're better off just throwing away the infected plants, disinfecting the pots, and start over. Sad. =(

Darn....that IS sad. How about systemics. Maybe that Bayer Tree & Shrub stuff would work on them too. It sure did a number on every bug that infected my hoyas. Last winter I was constantly spraying for mealies and other things getting on them in the dry winter house. This year, everything looks fine and healthy. And I only had to treat them once before bringing them in. Nary a bug anywhere. I love it.
Marcy

I'm with Marcy. The Bayer really works. I treated my outdoor hoyas before bringing them in, not a bug in site. I didn't treat the indoor hoyas, one by one, they are getting mealies. So then I have to treat them individually, what a waste of time I made for myself. I should have just done all of them at the same time. Live and learn.
Heather

Mites are very different from other pests....and it is ;my understanding that Bayer (Imidocloprid is the active ingredient) doesn't work on them. I hope I am wrong.

I have a friend who uses Avid to get rid of mites on all her plants. It's a systemic and she swears by it. Unfortunately we can't get it in Canada but you could get it.

Sandy

Yes, Avid works. You have to spray at the intervals of that specific mite to catch the newly hatched eggs. Avid is VERY expensive.

Neem oil works too. It suffocates the little buggers. Be sure to spray every couple of days.

Hey Carol, I was going to say neem oil:-). Also a product called Ultra Fine works on mites too. I have found it at Home Depot. Here is some info on Ultra Fine:

ULTRA-FINE
Year-Round Pesticidal Oil Spray
Active Ingredient: Parafinic Oil...98.80%
Ultra-Fine is a concentrate that is to be mixed with water. This product controls Adelgids, Aphids, Lace bugs, Leafhoppers, Leafminers (larvae), Mealybugs, Mites, Plant bugs, Psyllids, Sawfly larvae, Scales, Thrips, Whitefly and eggs of Aphids, Mites and certain caterpillars on landscape trees, plants, shrubs and flowering plants, houseplants, vegetables, fruit and nut trees, and home greenhouse plants. Ultra-Fine Oil Spray can be applied up to harvest. Available in quarts; makes up to 12 gallons of spray when diluted with water.


Blessings,
Awanda

I try to use something 'friendly' before hitting it with the Avid...since a plant CAN build up a tolerance i.e. resistance to it. Ultra fine is a very fine oil...works too when mixed with with a little detergent for better spreading...i.e. oil soap.

Thanks all. I'll keep a supply of Neem Oil on hand and may join up with some others on the AV forum to split the cost of some Avid.
What is that?! LIQUID GOLD?!?! ha ha

Thanks ladies for your great info.
Patti

Hey Bets.. sorry you had to toss so many of your AV's. I got those from a "gift" plant when I was showing mine and ended up having to toss nearly half of my 95 plants. So been there/done that and I feel for ya, girlfriend. Haven't had an urge to grow another one in several years now. Good luck with whatever you use.

Barb